Reacting: Extinguishing the flames

Envelop by a full-blown mania or depression, you face limited choices. If you pose no threat to yourself or others, you can choose to wait out the storm and hope the racing currents subside. But if your behavior becomes unbearable or dangerous- if you have suicidal thoughts or become increasingly belligerent, for example- you or someone else your behalf can seek medical intervention in one or more of the following forms:
· Hospitalizacion: When you pose a threat to yourself or others or need the safety and retreat that hospitalization provides.
· Intensive outpatient therapy: allows you to focus on getting well by day and return home in the evening.
· Medication: To lift the depression or quell the mania.
· Therapy: to immediately address destructive thoughts or behaviors.


Reacting can extinguish the flames, but it can also leave you and those around you burnet out, in your weakened state, you are more susceptible to fire-ups. And if your behavior during the episode hurt you your loved ones, their frustration or bitterness can compound the stress you already bear.

Source: Bipolar Disorder, candida Fink, MD, Joe Kraynak